Art<30

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An artist fulfilled by the singular and personal rewards of private creativity guarantees herself little joy. A committed practice of art may be its own reward to some, but the artist who remains hidden from the world receives no external support. Considering the many obstacles that confront any artist, they may be wise to lock their doors from any outside ambitions. And yet now, more than ever, we are overflowing with (unwise) artists, forever pitting themselves against the dangers of exposing themselves to the critiques of the outside world.

These artists, who end up leading a life of external success, are no less susceptible to failure and are no less fearful than the rest. The quick rise to lasting art-star fame is as unlikely today as ever. Whereas some young artists, just out of university will get a lucky break most start their artistic life from the bottom of the ladder, which is crowded with curators, grant and residency applicants, gallery owners, patrons and critics, the list goes on and on.

Paradoxically, it is because said ladder is so full that there are, in fact, more chances for the young artists’ creations to make it out of the studio and onto the world’s visual stage than ever before. Today, the artist can be as busy applying for awards, exhibitions and courses as they spend creating. In Catalunya, for example, civic centres, bank foundations, galleries and museums, now develop creative initiatives as a matter of course.

This month, Sala Parés features recipients of its third annual award for young artists, ART<30. The award honours artists of any nationality, aged 30 or younger, who are either studying or have studied fine arts at a Spanish university. This year, ten artists working in either painting or photography were selected from the large applicant pool by a jury of professional artists, gallery owners and art faculty from across the country. The ART<30 award was established to promote the work of young artists by connecting them with the professional art market and galleries. Underwritten by the Fundació Banc Sabadell, ART<30 also profits from the support of seven Spanish companies who have agreed to purchase work from the exhibition, highlighting the importance of the acquisition and patronage of young artists. You’ve got three weeks to see what may end up dressing up the board rooms.

Art<30

Sala Parés

September 3rd to 25th

www.salapares.com